[Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in patients presenting with pain of hand joints].

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis early in patients presenting with pain of hand joints facilitates a fast initiation of effective treatment and, in general, with better results than late initiation of treatment. The diagnosis is based on specific pattern recognition and makes distinguishing with osteoarthritis without laboratory testing or imagine studies possible. These 3 cases of patients presenting with joint pain of the hands show this clinical diagnostic process in detail.

Role of physical therapy in adult chronic non-bacterial osteitis: patients' and therapists' perspectives.

Objectives: Chronic nonbacterial osteitis (CNO) is a rare bone disease causing pain and functional impairment. We aimed to explore the application of physical therapy (PT) for adult CNO from the patients' and primary care therapists' perspective.

Method: Cross-sectional study among the Dutch adult CNO cohort (1992-present).

2023 EULAR classification criteria for hand osteoarthritis.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to develop classification criteria for overall hand osteoarthritis (OA), interphalangeal OA and thumb base OA based on self-reported data and radiographic features.

Methods: The classification criteria sets were developed in three phases. In phase 1, we identified criteria that discriminated hand OA from controls.

Hand function is already reduced before RA development and reflects subclinical tenosynovitis.

Background: Clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) is characterised by arthralgia of small joints and considered a risk stage for development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it remains unknown if the function of the hands is already affected and what mechanisms underlie impaired hand-function in CSA.

Methods: We studied various measures of hand function in two CSA populations.

Differences in characteristics, health status and fulfillment of exercise recommendations between axial spondyloarthritis patients with and without supervised group exercise.

Objective: Since decades, supervised group exercise (SGE) is recommended for people with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). This study examines if weekly SGE contributes to fulfillment of exercise recommendations in axSpA patients.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from three studies with axSpA patients in The Netherlands, including two with outpatient populations (n = 196 and n = 153) and one with SGE participants (n = 128), were analysed.

Development of radiographic classification criteria for hand osteoarthritis: a methodological report (Phase 2).

Objectives: In Phase 1 of developing new hand osteoarthritis (OA) classification criteria, features associated with hand OA were identified in a population with hand complaints. Radiographic findings could better discriminate patients with hand OA and controls than clinical examination findings. The objective of Phase 2 was to achieve consensus on the features and their weights to be included in three radiographic criteria sets of overall hand OA, interphalangeal OA and thumb base OA.

Implementing enhancements in supervised group exercise for people with axial spondyloarthritis: a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study.

Objectives: The content of supervised group exercise (SGE) for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) has hardly changed in recent decades, despite new evidence-based insights to improve SGE quality. This pilot implementation study evaluated the effects and feasibility of enhancements in axSpA-specific SGE in four regions in the Netherlands.

Method: The implemented enhancements included: more high-intensity aerobic exercise; exercise personalization with periodic assessments; and patient education on home exercise.

Organisation and content of supervised group exercise for people with axial spondyloarthritis in The Netherlands.

Supervised group exercise (SGE) is recommended for people with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Recent literature suggests that its contents and dosage must probably be revised. As a first step towards renewal, this study examined the current SGE organisation and content for people with axSpA in The Netherlands.

Adequately dosed aerobic physical activity in people with axial spondyloarthritis: associations with physical therapy.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the engagement in moderate- and vigorous-intensity PA in axSpA patients with and without current physical therapy (PT).

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a survey, including current PT treatment (yes/no) and PA, using the 'Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health-enhancing PA' (SQUASH), was sent to 458 axSpA patients from three Dutch hospitals. From the SQUASH, the proportions meeting aerobic PA recommendations (≥ 150 min/week moderate-, ≥ 75 min/week vigorous-intensity PA or equivalent combination; yes/no) were calculated.

How to optimize exercise behavior in axial spondyloarthritis? Results of an intervention mapping study.

Objective: Many individuals with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) do not engage in adequate exercise, despite its proven health benefits. This study aimed to identify the intervention components needed to optimize exercise behavior in people with axSpA.

Methods: The first three steps of the Intervention Mapping protocol were used: 1) needs assessment; 2) identification of axSpA-specific exercise barriers and facilitators (´determinants'); 3) selection of effective intervention components addressing potentially modifiable determinants.

Supervised Group Exercise in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Patients' Satisfaction and Perspective on Evidence-Based Enhancements.

Objective: Supervised group exercise (SGE) has been proven effective in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), but its contents and dosage do not always comply with current scientific insight. This aim of this study was to describe axial SpA patients' satisfaction with current SGE and perspective on potential evidence-based SGE enhancements.

Methods: Patients with axial SpA who participated in SGE in 4 regions in The Netherlands (n = 118) completed a cross-sectional survey on their satisfaction with features of their current SGE (8 questions scored on a 3-point Likert scale; 1 overall grade, scored according to an 11-point scale) and their perspective on the introduction of appropriately dosed cardiorespiratory and strengthening exercise, monitoring of exercise intensity, periodic reassessments, patient education, and supervision by physical therapists with specific expertise (4 dichotomous questions and one 5-point Likert scale).

Validity and responsiveness of the Michigan Hand Questionnaire in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objective: The aim was to assess the validity and responsiveness of the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) in patients with SSc.

Methods: Data were gathered in connection with a randomized, controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of a 12-week multidisciplinary team care programme, including a hand function treatment module, with regular care. Hand function was evaluated by the MHQ (37 items, six domains: Function, Daily activities, Pain, Work, Aesthetics and Satisfaction) and other measurements, including the HAQ, Hand Mobility in Scleroderma, Sequential Occupational Dexterity Assessment (SODA), grip strength, pinch grip and modified Rodnan Skin Score.

[Sweet's syndrome associated with acute myeloid leukemia. Report of one case].

Sweet's syndrome, also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is characterized by fever, neutrophilia, erythematous and tender skin lesions that typically show a diffuse infiltrate of neutrophils in the upper dermis. This disorder has been associated with myeloproliferative syndromes. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman with an acute myeloid leukemia, presenting a Sweet's syndrome.

Physiotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis: development of a practice guideline.

Background: To improve the quality of the physiotherapy management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) a Dutch practice guideline, based on current scientific evidence and best practice, was developed. This guideline comprised all elements of a structured approach (assessment, treatment and evaluation) and was based on the Internatio-nal Classification of Functioning, disability and Health (ICF) and the ICF core sets for RA.

Methods: A guideline steering committee, comprising 10 expert physiotherapists, selected topics concerning the guideline chapters initial assessment, treatment and evaluation.

Randomized comparison of a multidisciplinary team care program with usual care in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary team care program with usual outpatient care in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma).

Methods: We performed a randomized controlled trial comparing a 12-week multidisciplinary team care program (1 day per week; individual treatments, group exercises, and group education) with outpatient clinic care. Outcome measures included the Hand Mobility in Scleroderma (HAMIS) test, grip strength, maximal mouth opening (MMO), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), maximum aerobic capacity (VO(2max) ), Checklist Individual Strength 20 (CIS-20), SSc Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and Short Form 36 (SF-36), assessed at 0, 12, and 24 weeks.

Swan neck deformities in rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study on the patients' perspectives on hand function problems and finger splints.

Objective:  To identify hand function problems and the reasons for choosing a specific finger splint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and swan neck deformities.

Methods:  A qualitative study was performed alongside a randomized, controlled cross-over trial comparing the effectiveness of two types of finger splints (the silver ring splint [SRS] and the prefabricated thermoplastic splint [PTS]) in 50 patients with RA and swan neck deformities. Questions on the patients' main hand function problem and reasons for choosing a specific splint type were performed at baseline and after using each splint.

Exploring the public health impact of an intensive exercise program for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a dissemination and implementation study.

Objective: To evaluate the implementation of an intensive group exercise program in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: In 4 regions in The Netherlands, the Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients In Training exercise program was implemented on a limited scale. Evaluation using the RE-AIM model included: Reach, the proportion of the target population participating; Efficacy, effects on muscle strength, aerobic capacity, functional ability, and psychological functioning; Adoption, program adoption by stakeholders; Implementation, intervention quality (quality audits); and Maintenance, stakeholders' willingness to continue the program in the future.

Dynamic exercise programs (aerobic capacity and/or muscle strength training) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: An up-to-date overview of the effectiveness and safety of dynamic exercise therapy (exercise therapy with a sufficient intensity, duration, and frequency to establish improvement in aerobic capacity and/or muscle strength) is lacking.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness and safety of short-term (< three months) and long-term (> three months) dynamic exercise therapy programs (aerobic capacity and/or muscle strength training), either land or water-based, for people with RA. To do this we updated a previous Cochrane review (van den Ende 1998) and made categories for the different forms of dynamic exercise programs.

Effectiveness of two finger splints for swan neck deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, crossover trial.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and acceptability of silver ring splints (SRS) and commercial prefabricated thermoplastic splints (PTS) in treating swan neck deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Consecutive patients with RA and a mobile swan neck deformity were included in a randomized, crossover trial. In 2 different sequences, patients used both splints for 4 weeks, with a washout period of 2 weeks.

The double whammy of a work handicap (differential) effects of health on working conditions and outcomes.

Objective: To determine the effect of health on working conditions and outcomes.

Methods: Data were collected in the longitudinal Study on Health at Work (n = 1597 employees), using multiple regression analyses and focusing on three groups of employees: 1) healthy, 2) chronic health complaints without a work handicap, and 3) chronic health complaints with a work handicap.

Results: 1) Employees with a work handicap experienced less favorable working conditions and outcomes than other employees.

Time-domain control of ultrahigh-frequency nanomechanical systems.

Nanoelectromechanical systems could have applications in fields as diverse as ultrasensitive mass detection and mechanical computation, and can also be used to explore fundamental phenomena such as quantized heat conductance and quantum-limited displacement. Most nanomechanical studies to date have been performed in the frequency domain. However, applications in computation and information storage will require transient excitation and high-speed time-domain operation of nanomechanical systems.

Patient perspective of hand osteoarthritis in relation to concepts covered by instruments measuring functioning: a qualitative European multicentre study.

Objective: To explore whether the concepts important to patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA) are covered by the most commonly used instruments measuring functioning.

Method: A qualitative multicentre study using a focus group technique was performed in five European countries: Austria, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The qualitative data analysis followed a modified form of "meaning condensation" and used the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a theoretical framework.